Sewing machines

[Barmaid]

I don't really know which section to put this in, so I'll stick it in CB until someone tells me to stick it somewhere else (shut it, some of you).

Mr BM and I are on a "home makeover" drive. I used to be a pretty good seamstress, although this was over 20 years ago when I could knock up a pair of curtains or some trousers on my mum's ancient sewing machine.

So now I am going to buy me a sewing machine. Can anyone recommend a good model? It will be primarily be used for curtains, cushions and general soft furnishings (although I do have a couple of patterns for some evening wear I'd like to make). It must be possible to do a blind hem stitch, because I really can't sew by hand anymore due to chronic RSI (and the fact that I'll get bloody bored).

[gness]

I have a Pfaff machine Barmaid and I love it. For what you are going to sew the dual feed on a Pfaff is invaluable. I make all my curtains and the dual feed ensures the fabric is fed evenly even when heading curtains with buckram or tape. You'll never get that twisted look on the headings that make curtains look homemade.
I have used the same machine for all my furnishings in two houses and more costumes that I could shake a stick at for Am Dram. Wedding and bridesmaid dresses and a soft toy business when I was broke.
It's not the cheapest machine but well worth it.

[Iluvspikey]

http://www.sewingmach...IX3x7MCFSHHtAodSHgAjw

Great site - I have a Brother UJ417 - it was only £99 and does 17 different embroidery stitches. Got free next day delivery. My mum had a Frister and Rossman for years. I've made curtains, cushion covers (medium weight fabric) and run up a couple of pair of PJ's for my self.
Just click on sewing machines at the top and they do all makes. Hope you find this useful

[Ann]

My friend has a Brother model too - think she got from Amazon?